Strawberry Banana Pudding

03/13/202503/03/2025 by Chef Zainab

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Low-Carb & Sugar-Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Cost per Serving: $1.50
Calorie Count per Serving: 180 kcal

The idea for this strawberry banana pudding came to me when I was craving something creamy, fruity, and nostalgic—but without all the added sugar of traditional banana pudding. I wanted that classic, velvety texture and natural banana flavor while keeping things light and simple. Instead of relying on artificial extracts, I decided to use real, ripe bananas to bring out their natural sweetness and richness.

To balance the banana’s sweetness, I added fresh strawberries, which bring a subtle tartness and a burst of juicy flavor. The result? A pudding that feels indulgent yet refreshing, creamy yet light.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple and fuss-free it is. No baking, no complicated steps—just a few wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for a busy weeknight, a summer gathering, or even meal prepping for the week.

The first spoonful is pure comfort. The banana blends seamlessly into the rich, creamy pudding, the strawberries add just the right amount of brightness, and the texture is smooth and spoonable. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of low-carb cookie crumbles make it even better.

If you’re looking for a better-for-you version of a classic, this pudding is sure to satisfy. So grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy every bite—you won’t even miss the sugar.

Ingredients

The exact measurements for each ingredient are listed below in the recipe card.

A glass bowl filled with strawberry banana pudding, topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, bananas, and crushed cookies. — A delicious homemade strawberry banana pudding topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbles.

This pudding is all about rich creaminess and natural banana flavor—with no artificial extracts. Instead of using banana extract, we use real mashed banana for a true, fruity taste. Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and a pop of color, making every spoonful smooth, satisfying, and delicious.

Banana: The key ingredient in this recipe. A ripe banana provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture, blending seamlessly into the pudding.

Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously thick and velvety pudding. For a dairy-free option, swap it with full-fat coconut milk.

Almond Milk: Lightens up the texture while keeping the pudding creamy. Be sure to use unsweetened almond milk to keep the sugar low.

Sweetener: A powdered monk fruit or allulose sweetener blends in smoothly without any graininess. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can reduce the amount of sweetener since the banana already adds some natural sweetness.

Xanthan Gum: A low-carb thickener that helps the pudding set without using cornstarch. A little goes a long way to create that classic pudding consistency.

Strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and slightly tart, strawberries enhance the banana flavor and bring a burst of color to each serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a medium saucepan, a whisk, and a fine-mesh sieve if you want an ultra-smooth texture. Since this pudding uses real banana, make sure it’s fully ripe for the best natural sweetness and creaminess.

Step 1: Heat the Base

Peel and mash one ripe banana until completely smooth. Set it aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and almond milk over medium heat. Whisk in the powdered sweetener and let it warm up, stirring occasionally, until the sweetener fully dissolves. This should take about two to three minutes—be careful not to let it boil.

Step 2: Add the Banana and Flavor

Once the mixture is warm, whisk in the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to distribute the banana evenly. The natural sweetness from the banana will enhance the overall flavor.

Step 3: Thicken the Pudding

While whisking constantly, sprinkle in the xanthan gum a little at a time to prevent clumping. Keep whisking for another two to three minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. It won’t reach its final consistency until it’s chilled, but you’ll notice it becoming silkier.

Step 4: Blend for Extra Smoothness (Optional)

For an ultra-creamy pudding, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend for 30 seconds. This step helps break down any banana fibers, creating a smoother texture. Alternatively, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of banana.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or one large container. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. As it chills, the pudding will set to a thick, spoonable consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, slice up fresh strawberries and scatter them on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of low-carb cookie crumbles for extra texture. Serve cold and enjoy.

A bowl with banana pudding ingredients, including sweetener and eggs, being whisked together. — Whisking the ingredients properly ensures a smooth, lump-free pudding.

A bowl of thick and creamy banana pudding mixture, ready for layering. — The pudding mixture should be thick and smooth before assembling the dessert.

Folding Whipped Cream into Banana Pudding — A bowl of banana pudding mixture with a dollop of whipped cream being folded in.

A bowl of silky banana pudding mixture being whisked to a smooth consistency. — Whisking the pudding mixture ensures a creamy and lump-free texture.

A glass bowl filled with fresh sliced strawberries and bananas layered over pudding. — Fresh strawberries and bananas add natural sweetness and vibrant color to this homemade pudding.

A glass bowl filled with fresh sliced strawberries and bananas layered over pudding. — A second layer of fresh strawberries and bananas enhances the fruity flavor of the pudding.

Tips for the Best Pudding

The key to a great strawberry banana pudding is in the details. A few simple adjustments can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Use a Ripe Banana for Maximum Flavor

The banana is the star of this pudding, so make sure it’s fully ripe—deep yellow with some brown spots. A ripe banana brings natural sweetness and a smooth texture, making the pudding creamy without the need for extra sugar.

Mash and Blend for the Best Texture

For the creamiest pudding, mash the banana as smoothly as possible before adding it to the mixture. If you want an ultra-smooth finish, blend the mixture for 30 seconds before chilling or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.

Sweetener Matters

Since banana already adds some natural sweetness, you may need less sweetener than usual. Start with a small amount of powdered monk fruit or allulose, then taste and adjust. Powdered sweeteners dissolve better than granulated ones, ensuring a smooth, lump-free pudding.

For a Thicker Pudding, Let It Chill Overnight

This pudding sets up in about two hours, but if you want it to be even thicker, let it chill overnight. The xanthan gum will continue to work, creating a firmer, spoonable consistency that mimics classic banana pudding.

Make It Dairy-Free

If you want a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. The pudding will still be rich and creamy, but with a slight tropical hint from the coconut.

Don’t Skip the Toppings

A simple pudding becomes something extra special with the right garnishes. A swirl of whipped cream, a handful of fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of low-carb cookie crumbles add the perfect contrast of flavors and textures.

What to Serve with Strawberry Banana Pudding

This strawberry banana pudding is light yet creamy, making it the perfect way to finish a meal. But if you really want to take things up a notch, pairing it with the right flavors can turn it into something even more special.

Pair it with Something Crunchy

A smooth, velvety pudding always benefits from a little crunch. A handful of crushed low-carb vanilla cookies or a few chopped toasted almonds sprinkled on top add just the right contrast. If you have a little extra time, make a batch of low-carb shortbread cookies—they’re perfect for dipping.

Balance It with Something Rich

If you’re serving this pudding as part of a dessert spread, it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. The deep, slightly bitter notes of a keto chocolate mousse or a square of sugar-free dark chocolate complement the fruity, creamy flavors of the pudding.

Keep It Light with a Drink

For a simple yet satisfying treat, enjoy this pudding with a low-carb vanilla latte or a cup of herbal tea. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon makes a refreshing pairing.

When to Serve This Pudding

This pudding works anytime, but it’s especially great for make-ahead desserts when you want something easy yet impressive. It’s perfect for:

Casual weeknight treats when you want something sweet but low-effort
Brunch gatherings where a light, fruity dessert fits right in
Dinner parties when you need a sugar-free option that still feels indulgent
Meal prepping since it stays fresh in the fridge for several days

No matter how you serve it, this pudding is the kind of dessert that feels effortless but tastes like something special.

kitchen tools that will make preparing this strawberry banana pudding even easier:

High-Quality Whisk – A good whisk helps create a smooth, lump-free pudding. This stainless steel whisk is durable and perfect for mixing ingredients evenly. Check it out on Amazon.
Fine-Mesh Strainer – For the silkiest pudding, straining out any lumps is key. A fine-mesh strainer ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Find one here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding without bananas?

This recipe is designed to use real bananas for natural sweetness and flavor. However, if you want a lower-carb version, you can replace the banana with banana extract and increase the sweetener slightly.

How long does this pudding last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this pudding stays fresh for three to four days. The texture may thicken slightly as it chills, so give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! If you don’t have unsweetened almond milk, you can substitute it with coconut milk, cashew milk, or even whole milk if you’re not avoiding dairy. Just make sure to use an unsweetened version to keep the pudding low in added sugars.

What’s the best way to thicken the pudding without cornstarch?

Traditional puddings use cornstarch, but this low-carb version relies on xanthan gum to create that classic creamy consistency. If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can use gelatin instead—just dissolve it in warm liquid before adding it to the pudding.

Can I freeze this pudding?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture can become grainy or watery when thawed. If you’re looking for a frozen treat, try pouring the mixture into popsicle molds to make banana-strawberry pudding pops instead.

Can I make this pudding vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based whipped topping for a completely dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.

This strawberry banana pudding is proof that you don’t need sugar or carbs to enjoy a rich, creamy dessert. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or serving it at a gathering.

Now it’s your turn to give it a try. Whip up a batch, grab a spoon, and enjoy every bite. And if you do, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—or share your own twist on the recipe.

1 thought on “Strawberry Banana Pudding”

Anna
03/04/2025 at 03:42
❤️😍

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